A recent survey conducted by Tom’s Guide has uncovered intriguing insights into the reasons why users opt for free Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Nearly 2,000 respondents shared their motivations, highlighting streaming and privacy as the primary drivers behind their choices.
Free VPNs are often viewed as a budget-friendly alternative to paid services. While premium VPNs offer comprehensive features and enhanced security, there are reputable free options available that maintain essential privacy standards. The survey results indicate that 48% of users selected streaming or privacy as their top reasons for using a free VPN. This figure emphasizes the demand for online privacy and unrestricted access to content.
Streaming and Privacy: Key Motivations
Streaming and privacy emerged as equal priorities for users. Free VPNs like PrivadoVPN Free, Proton VPN Free, and Windscribe Free employ the same encryption standards as their paid counterparts, ensuring a secure browsing experience. Although users may miss out on advanced features such as multi-hop connections or split tunneling, the core privacy practices remain intact.
For those hesitant to invest in a paid service, free VPNs can provide an entry point into online privacy protection. Yet, users must exercise caution when selecting a free VPN, as many options available on app stores can compromise data security. A significant number of free VPNs monetize their services by harvesting and selling user data, posing a greater risk than forgoing a VPN altogether.
In terms of streaming capabilities, both PrivadoVPN Free and Windscribe Free have shown the ability to unblock various streaming services, including all regions of Netflix and US Disney+. However, these free options come with limitations, such as a 10 GB monthly data cap, which may suffice for occasional viewing but is inadequate for heavy users.
Changing Location and Bypassing Censorship
Another important finding from the survey indicated that 13% of respondents utilize free VPNs primarily for changing their virtual location. This functionality allows users to access geo-restricted content and can even aid in securing better flight deals. While free VPNs can effectively change a user’s location, the number of available server locations is minimal compared to premium services.
Only 15% of participants cited avoiding censorship as their main reason for using a free VPN. This figure is particularly noteworthy given that, according to reports, 4.6 billion people worldwide faced internet censorship in 2026. regions such as Asia and Africa are often the most affected, with recent incidents of internet freedom violations occurring in countries like Pakistan and Iran. In these contexts, free VPNs can serve as a lifeline for individuals seeking unrestricted internet access.
Leading free VPNs, such as Proton VPN Free, offer features specifically designed to circumvent censorship. The service allows users to connect without creating an account, enhancing privacy. Additionally, both Windscribe Free and PrivadoVPN Free incorporate obfuscation protocols, which disguise VPN traffic, making it more difficult for authorities to detect and block.
Despite the advantages, the survey revealed that only 11% of respondents use free VPNs for torrenting, highlighting the limitations of these services. Many free VPNs do not support P2P sharing or essential features like port forwarding, which can hinder the torrenting experience.
The data shows that for gaming, only 8% of users rely on free VPNs. Similar to streaming, gamers may quickly exhaust their monthly data allowances, often leading to frustrating experiences due to slower speeds compared to premium gaming VPNs.
In summary, while free VPNs can offer basic privacy and streaming capabilities, users must navigate the risks associated with selecting a reliable service. Reputable options like PrivadoVPN Free, Proton VPN Free, and Windscribe Free are recommended for users seeking a secure experience. For those requiring more robust features or extensive streaming capabilities, investing in a low-cost premium VPN may be a more suitable option.